Zaya Wade’s parents are in a nasty legal war.
The retired NBA player’s ex-wife, Siohvaughn Funches, claims Dwyane violated their custody agreement by attempting to change their daughter’s name legally. In the latest court update, Siohvaughn’s lawyer presented a copy of the former married couple’s2011 divorce judgment was filed.
Radar Online reports the judgment says Dwyane must discuss “the major decisions affecting the care, welfare, activities, health, education, and religious upbringing of their two children.” She hopes this will convince a judge to deny Dwyane’s petition for Zaya. Dwyane once claimed he has full authority over Zaya and only let Siohvaughn know as a “courtesy.”
Last year, the NBA legend responded to his ex-wife’s claims of having alterer motives for advocating for Zaya’s name change. Siohvaughn accused Dwyane of supporting Zaya primarily for financial gain. The mother wants a judge to intervene and make Zaya wait until she’s 18 to change her name legally.
Dwayne, who in 2021 reportedly had a net worth of $170 million, called Funches’ claims about potentially profiting from their child’s name change “libelous at their core, and are, at best, nonsensical.” Dwyane says the legal change is about “empowering “Zaya to live her truth.”
Dwyane wants Zaya to live “more comfortably and honestly in all aspects of her life-from simple introductions and food orders to applying for a driver’s license and filling out college applications.” Dwyane also said Zaya’s life shouldn’t be put on hold just because her mother can’t accept her. If approved, Zaya’s legal name would change from Zion Malachi Airamis Wade to Zaya Malachi Airamis Wade.
In 2020, when Zaya was 12, she revealed her truth to the world. That same year, Dwayne appeared on The Ellen Show and spoke about supporting his daughter. Since then, Dwyane and his wife, Gabrielle Union, have been Zaya’s ride or dies.
Dwayne admitted he fears for Zaya’s safety as a Black transgender woman. Hopefully, they can work everything out, we’ll keep you updated.